Festivals, exhibitions, pop-ups, and seasonal happenings across all nine regions.
An annual festival celebrates umeshu through tastings of classic and innovative plum wine blends alongside local plum-based foods, held at two dedicated Otaru brewing venues.
17 Apr – 6 May 2027Hokkaido · HokkaidoJozankei's 40-year-old spring tradition celebrates through approximately 400 carp streamers suspended above the hot spring town, repurposed from donated family heirlooms.
10 Apr – 10 May 2027Hokkaido · HokkaidoOne of Kanto's largest illuminations features approximately six million lights integrated into a natural landscape at a sprawling venue.
15 Nov 2026 – 10 May 2027Kanagawa · KantoA spring celebration in Komatsu blends Shinto ritual, elaborate festival floats, and children's kabuki performances at two historic shrines.
8–10 May 2027Ishikawa · ChubuThe Aoi Festival is one of Kyoto's three major annual festivals, dedicated to the northern Kamo shrines, with roots reaching back over 1,400 years and featuring equestrian archery.
15 May 2027Kyoto · KansaiA festival held at Kanda Shrine in Tokyo dating back to the 17th century, featuring processions of participants in Heian-period clothing and sacred ceremonies.
13–15 May 2027Tokyo · KantoSanja Matsuri is one of Tokyo's largest traditional festivals, honouring enshrined figures through mikoshi processions and an Intangible Folk Cultural Property ritual dance.
15–17 May 2027Tokyo · KantoA spring festival in Sendai honors feudal lord Date Masamune with ornate floats decorated with scenes from classic literature and theater over two days.
16–17 May 2027Miyagi · TohokuPremier half-marathon running event through Fukushima City's scenic neighborhoods and parks, featuring aid stations every 5 kilometers and spectator support.
17 May 2027Fukushima · TohokuAnnual spring festival featuring thirteen ornate floats with elaborate wooden tatemon decorations pulled through streets with traditional music.
17–18 May 2027Toyama · ChubuA three-century tradition, this Hokuriku festival showcases elaborately decorated floats and honors the maritime heritage of this former port town.
19–21 May 2027Fukui · ChubuWith over 10,000 participating artists and 140,000 expected visitors, this open art event showcases original creations across diverse mediums and styles.
23–24 May 2027Tokyo · KantoHigh-speed dirt racing event featuring various colorful vehicles navigating sharp turns on a thrilling track in Hokkaido.
23–24 May 2027Hokkaido · HokkaidoIllumination event set in a botanical garden featuring handmade warm lights creating a tropical resort atmosphere with new light displays this year.
24 Oct 2026 – 24 May 2027Okinawa · OkinawaJapan's largest tabletop game event brings together over 1,300 booths showcasing board games, card games, TRPGs, and other analog formats.
23–24 May 2027Chiba · KantoThree-day festival featuring outdoor Noh theatre performances, classical arts, historical pageantry, and family activities across Himeji Castle grounds.
22–24 May 2027Hyogo · KansaiKyoto Nippon Festival transforms Kitano Tenmangū shrine with large-scale art installations and immersive dance performance featuring artist Mika Ninagawa and collaborative works.
1 Feb – 24 May 2027Kyoto · KansaiA traveling sauna pop-up celebration tours Tohoku's leading hot spring and sauna facilities, featuring exclusive goods and appearances by renowned sauna enthusiasts.
1 Nov 2026 – 24 May 2027Miyagi · Tohoku
